The End of Innocence

My heart is heavy.

This week has been a true eye opener for me. And once again, I find it impossible to stay quiet.

I'm not jumping on my soapbox for my daughter, although she is the reason that I have paid attention to the images that are now forever seared into my mind. The cruelty, injustice and heart wrenching photos I have viewed this week would have horrified me, whether Lydia existed or not. But I also believe that had I not been given the gift of my daughter, I would have turned away, like so many others in this world do. I wouldn't be here, opening my mouth, and crying out for someone to please listen.

When did we become a world, a society, who can allow innocent children to be thrown away without a single thought? How can we stand by and let an entire population of beautiful people be snuffed out of existence because they don't fit our "ideal"? How can we turn our backs on a starving little girl whose only crime is that she was born with an extra chromosome?

This is the reality.

Our government, along with many other governments around the world, are pushing for Assad to leave Syria because of the murder of innocents who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. We send our troops to aid the suppressed. We make an enemy out of anyone who we feel is mistreating their people and abusing their authority. Yet, not one government worldwide stands up against what is essentially the genocide of children with special needs.

Denmark has announced that their country will be Down's Syndrome free by the year 2030.

The abortion rates for babies diagnosed prenatally with Down's Syndrome, already estimated at between 90 and 95%, is climbing ever higher almost daily.

Children in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and Asia who are born with handicaps are often killed. Or worse (as horrifying as it is to say that anything is worse than death), left in an orphanage with no one to care for them, no one to love them. Starved, beaten, sexually abused.

How can I stand by and NOT speak for these innocents? How can you?

How can we let THIS happen.....

This is Liliana. She is 11 years old. The proof of the neglect she has experienced during her life is right here in front of you. This precious girl only weighs 10 lbs. AT 11 YEARS OLD. Her new family is trying to bring her home. I'm praying with all of my heart that it's not too late. 

Please. I beg you. Stand up. Do something, even if all you are able to do is pray.

This world would be missing out on something truly beautiful if all of us were the same. If all of us were society's idea of perfect. 

I know my life wouldn't be the same without this little face....

I do this so.. this world will know...that it will not change me.